T
he graphic below identifies nine spiritual styles in relationship to the colors green, red, and blue. A proper understanding of the position of each respective style within the Trinitarian Compass is more important than the terminology used. When dealing with an individual style, you should ask yourself three questions:
1. Which color(s) does this style reflect?
2. What are the two neighboring styles?
3. Which styles are opposite this style?
The answers to these questions will give you significant information about the respective style and also about those people who represent this style.
The Trinitarian Compass: At the center of every color zone there are two spiritual styles. One of them is more extroverted, the other, more introverted. In addition, there are three styles located exactly on the borderline between each of the different color segments. The position of each style on the Trinitarian Compass is more important than the terminology used when it comes to understanding the essence of each individual style. For this reason, throughout this book you will find the same basic graphic, with changing stresses and accentuations. The goal is to internalize the image of the Compass, as this image is important for comprehending spiritual dynamics.
Overview of the nine spiritual styles: Each style emphasizes one specific aspect of the biblical message. In other words: Each of the nine styles is “biblical,” and each one needs to be complemented by the other styles.
What is the activity, place or environment in which you most consistently encounter God?
Further topics in the above chapter of the full version of the book
The ambivalence of terms - A spiritual style: your antenna to God - Favorite locations - The green styles: “sensory” and “rational” - The red styles: “Scripture-driven” and “sharing” - The blue styles: “enthusiastic” and “mystical” - The three borderline styles: “doctrinal,” “ascetic,” and “sacramental” - Why nine styles? - The nine spiritual styles and Jesus - One-sided Jesus images - Can we change our style?